Modern & Contemporary Middle East

S otheby’s is the global leader in Modern & Contemporary Middle Eastern art, offering unmatched expertise, market intelligence and international reach through specialist teams in London, New York, Dubai and Riyadh. As the largest auction house to present dedicated sales in this category, Sotheby’s has consistently delivered record‑breaking results and set new benchmarks for artists across the Middle East. Our commitment to the region extends beyond auctions, supporting artist estates, museums and scholars who shape the cultural and historical understanding of the field.

Biannual Modern & Contemporary Middle East sales take place in London each Spring and Autumn, complemented by travelling exhibitions in Dubai, a growing sale platform in Riyadh and educational initiatives across the region. Demand continues to rise: in 2025, collectors from 23 countries participated, with 33% of buyers new to Sotheby’s—evidence of the expanding global appetite for rare and high‑quality Middle Eastern art.

Sotheby’s has strengthened its presence across the Gulf over the past decade. Following the reintroduction of dedicated London sales in 2016, the Dubai office opened in 2017, driving a significant increase in regional participation. In 2025, Sotheby’s became the first international auction house to establish a permanent office in Saudi Arabia, opening in Riyadh’s Al Faisaliah Tower. Our 2025 and 2026 Origins sales—the first major international art and luxury auctions in the Kingdom—achieved a combined $10 million for Modern & Contemporary Middle Eastern art and set five new world auction records. Sotheby’s also continues to hold the highest auction total ever achieved in the region, with the 2013 Contemporary Art sale in Doha reaching $15.2 million.

Our collector base spans four continents, and regional participation has grown sharply over the past three years, reflecting both the strength of our international team and the impact of Sotheby’s industry‑leading global marketing. Alongside our auctions, we offer private sales and present selling and non‑selling exhibitions in London and Dubai, ensuring year‑round access to the most significant works from the Middle East.